Store manager (name tko) of NIche in Reno, Calif., trying on a pair of newly arrived L.A. idols on Thursday, October 13, 2011, as she considers buying the pair.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Store manager (name tko) of NIche in Reno, Calif., trying on a pair...

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Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and handmade products in Reno, Calif., such as this folding fruit basket made from www.chopstickart.com on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and...

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NIche has a display of winter gifts and home accessories in Reno, Calif., on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

NIche has a display of winter gifts and home accessories in Reno,...

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NIche specializes in runway closeouts and denims including a Miss Me pair (left) and an L.A. idol pair (right) in Reno, Calif., on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

NIche specializes in runway closeouts and denims including a Miss...

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Next to La Terre Verte boutique is Barbara Bennett Park in Reno, Calif., where visitors can use or view the rushing stream on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Next to La Terre Verte boutique is Barbara Bennett Park in Reno,...

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Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and handmade products in Reno, Calif., such as this skirt and top made using pull tabs from aluminum cans, and hand sewn from a grandmother in Brazil on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and...

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Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and handmade products in Reno, Calif., such as this bag made using pull tabs from aluminum cans, and hand sewn from a grandmother in Brazil on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and...

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Eco friendly La Terre Verte boutique specializes in recycled and handmade products in Reno, Calif., such as this box made by Nepal artisans from recycled plastic wrappers on Thursday, October 13, 2011. It is from a non-profit humanitarian organization, the S.P.I.R.A.L. foundation.

Maybe it's the casino culture, but shopping in downtown Reno somehow demands things that are sparkly, a bit unnecessary and as fun as all get-out. Here are some whimsical wonders to check out:

The Niche

Founder Jamie Getty came up with a combo concept of home decor, clothing and gift boutique that might be summed up as "kitchen sink" - if your sink happens to be a glittery, gorgeous container of everything that you very likely do not need but still very much want.

Costume jewelry competes for glam with bejeweled picture frames, which lounge next to elaborate purses and scarves, which share space with luxurious tie-dyed hoodies and enormous, elaborate clocks plus "Welcome" signs that you flip over to read "Go Away."

You'll feel like an explorer just finding this space on the darkish lobby level of the Arlington Towers condo building. Operating hours can be a bit puzzling, although weekdays are pretty reliable. But hang on, since it takes an artist's mind to put together this extravaganza of eco-friendly recycled and handmade products from around the world.